DARKNESS (Psalm 88)

Psalm 88 is considered one of the most despairing and bleak passages in the Bible with its themes of darkness, suffering, and the apparent absence of God. It is a profound expression of anguish and despair in the OT. It doesn't contain the uplifting or hopeful themes often associated with other Psalms, yet it still holds a significant place in religious discourse.

"Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you" ["by day I have screamed, by night, in front of you" {Motyer}] "...darkness is my closest [best] friend" (Ps 88:1, 18).

• Can you live a life without comfort (1-9a)? Die without hope (9b-12)? Have questions without answers (13-18)?
  
• How do you live when there is no light at the end of the tunnel?
• How do you go on when you feel abandoned?
• How do you live by faith when the future seems dark and bleak?

Till, Tend. Cloud-Rider. Dwelling. How long? Remember-Ps 78

Till and Tend. In the beginning, God entrusted humanity with a two-word Prime Directive (Gen 2:15) for life in the Garden: Avad and Shamar.

• Till and Tend.
• Cultivate and Care For.
• Conceive and Conserve.

This ancient wisdom holds the secret to a life of wholeness, where opposites harmonize in a sacred dance. Mastery of this rhythm of resonance requires embracing the interplay between:

• Innovation and Consolidation
• Stability and Motion
• Settling down and Stirring up
• Roots and Wings
• Being and Becoming
• Rest and Renewal
• Vocation and Vacation
• Tradition and Transfiguration

Cloud-Rider, Divine Warrior: The God "who rides on the clouds" (Ps 68:4, 33; 18:9; 104:3-4; Dt 33:26; Isa 19:1; Eze 1:4, 28; Nah 1:3; Mt 24:30; 26:64; Mk 13:26; 14:62; Lk 21:27; Rev 1:7).

Dwelling in God's/Yahweh's house: Ps 23:6; 26:8; 27:4; 36:7-8; 52:8; 65:4; 84:1-4, 10-12; 92:12-14.

How long? The question asked during the lament (Ps 4:2; 6:3; 13:1-2; 35:17; 62:3; 74:10; 79:5; 80:4; 89:46; 90:13; 94:3; 119:84). This indicates that the sufferer has been long in his pain and sees no end in sight. He thus appeals to God's pity that perhaps "enough is enough."

God’s Word says you’re lovable (John 3:16), capable (2 Peter 1:3), valuable (Luke 12:6), forgivable (Psalm 103:12), and usable (Ephesians 4:12). Psychologists say that your self-esteem comes from what you think the most important person in your life thinks about you.

Death (Psalm 49) and Judgment (Psalm 50)

“But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself” (Ps 49:15). Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me (Ps 50:14-15).

Psalm 49: The Brevity of Life, the Certainty of Death and the Futility of Wealth.

• What are 2 unavoidable guarantees and certainties in life (Heb 9:27)?

Shout Out, Bow Down, Listen Up! (Psalm 95)

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods (Ps 95:1-3). "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice, 'Do not harden your hearts...'" (Ps 95:6-8a). 

RESIDENCE (Psalm 15). SECURITY (Psalm 16)

How to Live with God: "Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken" (Ps 15:1-5).

To enter God's presence. This brief poem of 5 verses instructs those who desire to enter the presence of God in the sanctuary. It gives 11 answers to the question of who can enter God's presence (Ps 15:2-5a).

Feeling Far From Father God (Psalm 77)

When You Feel Far From God: "I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me" (Ps 77:1). "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" (Ps 77:7-9)

• Have you ever faced something so difficult and so heartbreaking that it's caused you to question God's goodness, presence and love (Ps 77:7-9; 22:1)?

Downcast, Disturbed, Discouraged, Depressed (Psalm 42-43)

In Psalm 42-43, the writer felt overwhelmed and discouraged.

1. Do you long for God as a deer pants for water (Ps 42:1-2)?
• Do you long for God more in good times or in hard times? 
• Do you long more for something else or for God? For answers [Why? Why? (Ps 42:5, 9, 11; 43:2, 5)] or for God Himself?

FORSAKEN (2024 Key Verse)

Found guilty as a criminal. 2023 began 2 weeks after 6 armed FBI agents came to my house unannounced at 7 am and hand-cuffed and arrested me. I was indicted and charged with serious offences of defrauding the U.S. government and committing health care fraud for an online job I did for 5 months in 2019. I reviewed charts of patients who had cancer or a family history of cancer to decide whether or not to order a genetic test. Unbeknownst to me, there was a fraud that involved labs and multiple marketing companies that targeted medicare recipients. I knew of this only after my defense attorneys informed me. I was paid $26,800 while the lab billed Medicare for 9 million according to my indictment. In Aug I went to trial. After 3 emotionally exhausting weeks 12 jurors found me guilty on one charge. On Feb 29, 2024, I will be sentenced and will receive prison time of up to 5 years and fines and forfeitures.

One Thing I Ask is to See God's Beauty (Psalm 27:1-14)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1) "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple" (Ps 27:4).

1. Confidence (Ps 27:1-3). Whom shall I fear (Ps 27:1)?
2. Desire (Ps 27:4-6). One thing I ask (Ps 27:4).
3. Plea (Ps 27:7-12). Hear my voice (Ps 27:7).
4. Confidence (Ps 27:13-14). Wait for the Lord (Ps 27:13).

God is one (Dt 6:4). I have one life. Regardless of what happens, do I have one desire? One passion? One direction? One motivation? One trajectory of life? One heart? One Lord? One faith? One wife? One family? One church? Rick Warren says, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Paul says, "my only aim" (Ac 20:24) and "One thing I do" (Phil 3:13).

ENTRANCE (Psalm 24:1-10; 25:1-22)

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart: "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Ps 24:1). "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god" (Ps 24:3-4). [Psalms 3-32 Psalms of David. Psalms 24-28 A Lifestyle of Integrity.]

1. What do you learn about God in
1. Ps 24:1-2 (Gen 1:1; Ps 33:6)
2. Ps 24:3-6 (Lev 19:1-2; 11:44-45; 20:26; 1 Pet 1:15-16)
3. Ps 24:7-10 (Rev 19:6; 17:14; 1 Tim 6:15)
2. In light of who God is, how should we live? Who can enter God's presence?

In Psalm 24 there is no prayer; it is all declarative. Each of the 3 parts bring out a different consideration of God:

1. The Creator (1-2). The all-creating. God's creative authority. Approaching. Everything/everyone belongs to God (1 Cor 6:19-20).
2. The Holy God (3-6). The all-holy. Preparation to enter the Presence of God. Preparing. Holy in deed (outward actions) and thought (inward motives). Holy relationship with God (no idolatry) and neighbor (no deceit) (Ps 24:4; 1 Sam 16:7).
3. The Glorious King (7-10). The all-victorious. The King of Glory comes. Entering. The divine warrior.

1. John Stott. 1988. Psalm 24: Ascending the Hill of the Lord. 1. The whole earth (Ps 24:1-2). 2. The Lord's hill (Ps 24:3-6). 3. The city gates (Ps 24:7-10).
2. Tim Keller. 2015. The pursuit of God (1-6). True glory (7-10).
3. Gerald Wilson. 2002. Psalm 24: Who can Dwell in the House of God? 1. The Lord's creative authority (Ps 24:1-2). Preparations to Enter the Presence of God (Ps 24:3-6). The King of Glory comes (Ps 24:7-10).
4. John Goldingay. 2013. Psalm 24: Will God let you in? Will you let God in?
5. Derek Kidner. 1973. 1975. Psalm 24: King of Glory. 1. The All-Creating (Ps 24:1-2)? 2. The All-Holy (Ps 24:3-6). 3. The All-Victorious (Ps 24:7-10).
6. Alec Motyer. 2016. Psalm 24: Fling Wide the Gates. 1. Approaching (Ps 24:1-2). 2. Welcoming (Ps 24:3-6). 3. Entering (Ps 24:7-10).
7. Longman III & David E Garland. 2008. Psalm 24: The King of Glory is our God. Yahweh is a Great King over the Earth; Invitation to Integrity. A. The Great King (Ps 24:1-2). The Creator God. B. The Hill of the Lord (Ps 24:3-6). The Holy God. A'. The Divine Warrior (Ps 24:7-10). The Glorious King.

SELF-DISCLOSURE (Psalm 19:1-14)

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Ps 19:1). "But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Ps 19:12-14).

• How does the OT Torah relate to us as Christians?

The self-revelation of God (Three Voices in Harmony). C.S. Lewis says that Psalm 19 is "the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world." It contains the clearest summary of the doctrine of revelation in the OT, namely that God has made himself known to all people as:

1. Creator (Ps 19:1-6): General revelation. The revelation of creation/nature. i) Revelation of God in the heavens (1-4b). ii) The all-seeing sun (4c-6).
2. Lawgiver (Ps 19:7-10, 11): Special revelation. The revelation of God's law.
3. Redeemer (Ps 19:11-14): Personal revelation. Human response. Prayerful reflection.

1. John Stott. Favorite Psalms. 1988. Psalm 19: The self-revelation of God.
2. Tim Keller. The Songs of Jesus. 2015.
3. Gerald Wilson. Psalms Vol 1. The NIV Application Commentary. 2002.
4. John Goldingay. 2013. Psalm 19: The mystery of sin.
5. Kidner. Psalms 1-72, 1973. 1975. Psalm 19: The Skies, the Scriptures. 1. The eloquence of nature (Ps 19:1-6). 2. The clarity of Scripture (Ps 19:7-14).
6. Alec Motyer. Psalms by the Day. 2016. Psalm 19: Three voices in harmony.
   
7. Longman III, Garland. 2008. God's Perfections Revealed in Work and Word. God's Glory in Creation; Perfection of God's Word; Commitment to Integrity.
1. The Revelation of Creation (Ps 19:1-6). i) The Revelation of the Skies (Ps 19:1-4b). ii) The Revelation of the Sun (Ps 19:4c-6).
2. The Revelation of God's Law (Ps 19:7-11).
3. Prayerful Reflection (Ps 19:12-14).

Psalm 19 has resonated deeply with theologians, authors, pastors, poets, and musicians alike, inspiring reflections on the beauty of creation, the clarity of divine revelation, and the transformative power of God's Word. Its verses continue to influence spiritual and artistic expressions across cultures and generations.

• Augustine saw Psalm 19 as celebrating God's revelation through both nature (Ps 19:1-6) and Scripture (Ps 19:7-14), emphasizing the dual nature of God's communication to humanity.
• C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19 "the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world."
• Calvin emphasized how Psalm 19 shows God's revelation through both nature and scripture.
• Spurgeon referred to Psalm 19 as "The Heavens and the Word," highlighting its dual focus on general and special revelation.
• Isaac Watts paraphrased Psalm 19 in his hymn "The Heavens Declare Thy Glory, Lord."
• Matthew Henry noted how Psalm 19 presents God's glory in creation, the word, and the heart of believers.
• Gerard Manley Hopkins was inspired by Psalm 19 in his poem "God's Grandeur," which echoes themes of divine glory in nature.
• Jonathan Edwards used Psalm 19 to argue for the harmony between natural and biblical revelation.
• John Milton, in his poem "Paradise Lost," references Psalm 19 in describing the beauty of God's creation and the heavens declaring His glory.
• Martin Luther saw Psalm 19 as a prophecy of the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.
• Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel used Psalm 19 to discuss the concept of divine pathos and human wonder.
• N.T. Wright, in several of his writings, discussed themes of natural revelation and the moral law and the integration of God's creation and Torah.
• Tim Keller often refers to Psalm 19, discussing its implications for understanding God's revelation through both nature and Scripture.
• Bach composed a famous choral work, "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God," based on Psalm 19:1.
• Joseph Haydn's oratorio "Die Schöpfung" (The Creation) draws on themes of creation and divine revelation, echoing Psalm 19.

Ps 8 Frail Humans Empowered to be Responsible (Psalm 8:1-9)

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens" (Ps 8:1). "...what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor" (Ps 8:4-5).

Psalm 8 is the first experience of joyful praise and adoration, after 5 consecutive psalms (3-7) through the dark valleys of lament and pleas for deliverance. After this brief but brilliant chorus of praise, we will return again in the following psalms to the darkness of pain and the anguish of brokenness. But here is Psalm 8, if for just a moment, darkness and suffering are driven away by the commanding vision of the sovereign God of the created universe and his unfathomable care for humanity.

Psalm 8 may be considered a hymn of praise or a hymn of creation praise together with Psalms 33, 104 and 145 as "Songs of Creation."

1. The sovereign Yahweh (Ps 8:1a, 9). The thematic framework. The central message of wondrous awe.
2. Yahweh's rule (Ps 8:1b-2). The creative power of Yahweh. Praise of God's majestic power and protection of creation. The glory of the great King.
3. Yahweh's condescension (Ps 8:3-5). Human frailty. Recognition of human frailty in light of God's creative power. The littleness of human beings. God's interest in humankind. Humankind's derived glory (Ps 8:5).
4. Yahweh's ruler (Ps 8:6-8). Empowerment and responsibility. Acceptance of divine empowerment of humans and their resultant responsibility. The greatness of human beings. Humankind's glory as ruler.

Psalm 8 can be summarized as follows (Longman III):

• A Ascription of praise (Ps 8:1a).
• B The glory of the great King (Ps 8:1b-2).
• C God's interest in humankind (Ps 8:3-4).
• C' Humankind's derived glory (Ps 8:5).
• B' Humankind's glory as ruler (Ps 8:6-8).
• A' Concluding ascription of praise (Ps 8:9).

Consider:

1. The gift of the divine nature (Exo 3:14; Mk 14:62).
2. The implications of the creation of man in the divine image (Gen 1:26-27).
3. The meaning of God's command to humans to rule over the earth (Gen 1:28).

Titles: Crown of creation (Ps 8:5). The jewel of creation. Wonderful care (Ps 8:4). How majestic is God's name (Ps 8:1, 9). Consider the heavens (Ps 8:3). The power of the powerless. The glory of the Creator and of humankind.

References:

1. Tremper Longman III & David E Garland. 2008. The Glory of the Creator and of Humankind. The Glory of God's Creation; Dignity of the Ideal Human.
2. Tim Keller. The Songs of Jesus. 2015. Psalm 8: Wonderful Care.
3. Gerald Wilson. 2002. 1. Thematic framework (1a, 9). 2. The Creative Power of Yahweh (1b-2). 3. Human Frailty (3-4). 4. Empowerment and Responsibility (5-8).
4. John Goldingay. 2013. Psalm 8: Thus far and no farther.
5. Derek Kidner. 1973. 1975. Psalm 8: Crown of Creation. 1. The praise of his glory (Ps 8:1-2). 2. What is man? (3-8). 3. The praise of his glory (Ps 8:9).
6. Alec Motyer. 2016. Psalm 8: The Power of the Powerless. A1. The Sovereign Yahweh (Ps 8:1). B1. Yahweh's rule (Ps 8:2). C. Yahweh's condescension (Ps 8:3-5). B2. Yahweh's ruler (6-8). A2. The Sovereign Yahweh (Ps 8:9).
7. John Stott. What is a Human Being? 1. The littleness of human beings (Ps 8:3-4). 2. The greatness of human beings (Ps 8:5-8).

I Know My Sin (Psalm 51)

Read Psalm 51 and 2 Samuel 11:1-12:13.

Sin will take me further than I want to go.
Sin will keep me longer than I want to stay.
Sin will cost me more than I want to pay.

• Why do you think you sin (1 Jn 2:16; Eccl 6:7; 5:10)? Is sin a big deal?
• Can a man reveal your sin (Jn 16:8)?
• Do you commit adultery and murder like David? See Exo 20:13-14, 17; Dt 5:17-18, 21; Mt 5:21-22, 27-28; Prov 5:20; 6:24-25; Rom 7:15, 17, 18, 19, 23. Did David break any other commandments?

1. What are 3 words in reference to God (Ps 51:1)? 3 verbs for cleansing and 3 nouns for sin (Ps 51:1-2)? 
• What is the basis of David's plea (Exo 34:6-7; Mic 7:18)? Why (Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:23)? 
• What is the difference between mercy and grace? Does he deserve mercy? Is mercy a license to sin?
2. How did his sin affect him (Ps 51:3, 8, 12; 13:2; 38:2, 6)? Who is ultimately offended by his sin (Ps 51:4; Gen 39:7, 9)? 
• How bad do you feel about your sin (Ps 51:17)?

Ps 22 Forsaken (Psalm 22)

The most profound mystery. When Jesus screamed his agonizing cry on the cross (Ps 22:1; Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34), it might surprise some that Jesus was NOT abandoned by God in the sense that God was not present. God was there as implied by the fact that Jesus prays, for you cannot address someone who has gone off. Thus, God is watching as Jesus was tortured, suffering as profoundly in his spirit as Jesus suffered in body and spirit. What unbearable agony it would be for a man to watch his son or grand-son be tortured in agony and not stop it when he could! In essense God listens to Jesus on the cross, screaming, "Why have you forsaken me?" and does nothing.

The Perfect King (Psalm 72)

"Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness" (Ps 72:1).

The NT nowhere quotes this as Messianic, but this picture of the king and his realm is so close to the prophesies of Isaiah 11:1-5 and Isaiah 60-62 that if those passages are Messianic, so is this.

1. Royal righteousness (Ps 72:1-4). Imitating God: the world and its people set to rights.
2. Endless reign (Ps 72:5-7). Endless abundance under the king.
3. Boundless realm (Ps 72:8-11). World dominion.
4. Compassionate king (Ps 72:12-14). The caring rule.
5. Endless blessing (Ps 72:15-17).
1. The nations respond in devotion (Ps 72:15). 
2. Shared abundance under the king (Ps 72:16-17).
6. Doxology and conclusion (Ps 72:18-19). Reflecting God: the earth filled with his glory.

Ps 88 Faith Without Hope as the Darkness Deepens

"Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you" ["by day I have screamed, by night, in front of you" {Motyer}] "...darkness is my closest [best] friend" (Ps 88:1, 18).

• Can you live a life without comfort (1-9a)? Die without hope (9b-12)? Have questions without answers (13-18)?

Faith under Fire (Psalm 73)

Find your Faltering, Flickering, Fading Faith under Fire: "...till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood …" (Ps 73:17).

A. Faith professed (Ps 73:1). God is good.

B. Faith questioned (Ps 73:2-14). The evil of envy.

C. Faith refocused (Ps 73:15-20). A new perspective.

B1. Faith unquestioned (Ps 73:21-26). Guided by God's counsel.

A1. Faith affirmed (Ps 73:27-28). God's closeness is good.

5 books of Psalms corresponding to the Torah:

1. Book 1 (1-41). Genesis. Songs of relationship...with God.
2. Book 2 (42-72). Exodus. Songs of redemption...delivernace by God.
3. Book 3 (73-89). Leviticus. Songs of refuge. Sanctuary of God. [reflection]
4. Book 4 (90-106). Numbers. Songs of repercussion. Rebellion...against God.
5. Book 5 (107-150). Deuteronomy. Songs of revival. Renewal with God.

When Your World Falls Apart (Psalm 3-7)

When Life Takes a Turn for the Worst (Psalm 3-7)

1. Psalm 3: Facing a New Day (Ps 3:5-6). You are not alone.
2. Psalm 4: Facing Another Night (Ps 4:4; 6:6). Who can I turn to?
3. Psalm 5: Starting a New Day (Ps 5:3). On pleading with the King.
4. Psalm 6: Waiting is Hard (Ps 6:1-4). The way prayer makes a difference.
• Prayers and tears (Ps 6:6-9).
5. Psalm 7: Sin and judgment. The judge is on your side.
• A Conscience without Offence (Ps 7:3-5).
• A cry for justice (Ps 7:6-11).

Happiness (Psalm 1-2)

How to be Happy Living in the World (Psalm 1-2). Psalm 1 is the gateway and introduction to the Psalms. It contrasts the way of life and the way of doom by emphasizing the importance of meditating and delighting in God's Word (Ps 1:2).

Ø  Is there a key to happiness? Or is it a carefully guarded secret known only to a very few special select people?

Ø  What do you think you need to be happy and to avoid unhappiness?

When Overcome by Sin and Guilt (Psalm 38)

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When You are Overcome by Your Sin and Guilt:

1. How does David describe his suffering (Ps 38:1; 6:1)?
• Is he asking not to be rebuked or disciplined?
• Who does God discipline (Heb 12:6)? Why (Heb 12:10)?
• How does he feel (Ps 38:2)?
2. What does David connect his suffering with (Ps 38:3, 5)? How did his sin and guilt affect him (Ps 38:4, 6-8)? How does your sin affect you?
• Does God discipline severely (Ac 5:5, 10; 1 Cor 11:29-30)?
• What kind of suffering have you experienced in your life?
• What do you think caused your suffering?
3. What does David know about God's knowledge of him (Ps 38:9; 139:1, 5, 7, 23-24; Gen 16:13)? How is he different from Adam (Gen 3:10)? How devastated is he (Ps 38:10, 17)?
4. How does David's friends react to him (Ps 38:11-12)? Why (Ps 38:16, 19-20)? How did he respond to their criticism and opposition (Ps 38:13-14; 46:10; Eccl 5:2; Isa 53:7; Mt 27:14)?
5. After expressing great suffering what did David do (Ps 38:15; 39:7; 42:5, 11)? Is it easy for you to just wait on God without any time schedule (Job 13:15) What if you do (Isa 40:31)?
6. Is it easy to honesty confess your sins (Ps 38:18)? What if you don't (Ps 32:3-4)? What if you do (Ps 32:5; 1 Jn 1:9)?
7. Do you long to be near God more than with someone else (Ps 38:21)? How earnestly do you affirm your need for help (Ps 38:22)?
• Was his suffering relieved at the end of this Psalm? Is there a high point in this Psalm?
• How could David be so bold to appeal to God for mercy, being the guilty sinner that he was (Ps 51:3-4)?

• How might affliction, anguish, adversity and anxiety help a Christian more than comfort and convenience, safety and security (Ps 119:67, 71, 75, 92)?

• How does Psalm 38 point to Christ (Ps 22:1; Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34)?